Agenda item

This report provides background to the pre-decision call-in of the ‘Fossgate Public Realm Improvements’ decision due to be taken on 15 November by the Executive Member for Transport and Planning. The report sets out the reasons for the call-in and invites the Committee to consider what feedback, if any, it may wish to make.

The committee then heard from one of the Calling-in Members, Cllr Craghill. Cllr Craghill outlined the reasons for the call-in and explained that the consultation had clearly highlighted that pedestrianisation was desired by residents and businesses in the area. Cllr Craghill said she believed the proposals did not go far enough and suggested a number of recommendations that could be sent to the Executive Member.

Cllr Dew, the Executive Member for Transport and Planning, briefly addressed the committee to express his appreciation and thanks for the comments made on the Fossgate Public Realm Improvements and to inform Members that he has asked for a pre-Decision Session meeting with officers to discuss the issues raised by this Call-in.

Under questioning from Members, Cllr Dew explained that a lack of resources had been the reason for not including the pedestrianisation of Fossgate in the original consultation, however the current plans did not preclude pedestrianisation in the future.

Officers then highlighted a number of points to the committee, including that:

-      The scheme had been created in response to April’s Decision Session in which the flow of traffic had been permanently established following an experimental traffic regulation order.

-      This was still at an early stage in the design process and that should the decision be taken to go ahead with the proposed scheme, an equalities impact assessment would be carried out.

-      There had to be a balancing act between the needs of all users, including residents that live on Fossgate itself.

-      The Council would risk a public enquiry, should they now alter the plan and fully pedestrianise Fossgate, as this had not been consulted on.

-      In the situation the Council were currently in, the best course of action would be to deliver this scheme, build an evidence base and consult on pedestrianisation in 2019.

Officers also highlighted that in 2015, when the idea to pedestrianise Fossgate was first suggested, it was not fully supported by residents.

Following debate on the topic, it was moved and seconded that recommendations 1 (subject to an amendment), 3 and 5 suggested by Cllr Craghill be sent to the Executive Member for Transport and Planning for his consideration. Those recommendations are listed below:

i.             That the Executive Member actively supports the proposal at paragraph 16 to investigate the pedestrianisation of the street during foot-street hours, but that this happens as soon as possible. This should include a pro-active consultation involving traders and residents in the street as well as disability groups and the wider public who use and value the street.

iii.           That in order to facilitate the possible later implementation of the above option and to avoid unnecessary expenditure, that the proposed gateway treatment at the Walmgate end of the street should be either not implemented or significantly modified to take into account a possible future need for two-way traffic in that location.

v.           That further consideration should be given to using design to improve pedestrian flow across Pavement into Fossgate, for example using zebra crossings or colourful crossings over the whole junction.

Therefore it was,

Resolved:  That recommendations i, iii and v, as listed above, be sent to the Executive Member for consideration during the Decision Session of the Executive Member for Transport and Planning on 15 November 2018.